November 10, 2026 -- Proverbs 16:17 -- Being consistent publicly and privately

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

The highway of the upright turns aside from evil;
whoever guards his way preserves his life.
Proverbs 16:17 ESV
 
A highway is a public road. The upright man, or woman, is someone whose public life is just and honorable before God. There are many opportunities for and temptations to turn aside to an evil way. But the upright, whose ways are pleasing to God, anticipate the disasters which going off course will bring into his life. The word highway in the ancient language means a major, public road; not a city street. In our language the word highway makes most of us think of four lanes of traffic going 100KM+. If you’re going that fast, you’d better know where you’re headed. A sudden last second decision to take an off-ramp can mean crossing lanes of traffic, danger, and skidding. However, there are hazards on the roadways as well. You might be driving and suddenly around the curve there’s a car accident and you need to course correct, so you don’t drive right into it. There can be debris on the road. The upright anticipates the fact there might be trouble up ahead and prepares for it.
 
The second phrase of our text is "guarding one’s way".  The parallelism between the first and second phrase makes me think of this. There is the public aspect of life, driving on the highway, and the private plans and preparations of the heart, which is guarding one's heart. If you are not actively planning to do good, to be honourable and upright in your thoughts your actions will show the drift and you’ll go off course. The second phrase of our text today brings this earlier proverb to mind: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23 NIV).
 
In the New Testament, Paul prayed
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom
every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according
to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened
with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ
may dwell in your hearts through faith…
Ephesians 3:14-17a ESV
It is the will of God that you be preserved from the disasters you’d bring into your own life. God’s glory, flowing to us as His goodness and love, grants that you can be strengthened by the Spirit of God. The Spirit, living in you, prompts you to enthrone Jesus in your hearts. To enthrone Him is to acknowledge Him as the King Who has the authority and the right to direct all your living. Why serve Him? In His presence there is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11).
 
Father in heaven grant me more of Your Spirit so that Jesus and His majesty, will fill my imagination, my thoughts and my plans. O God my King, increase my zeal to serve You, both privately and publicly. Amen.
https://youtu.be/-jkMnq2Hfzo?si=E4RrwRXLG8v0XxX7

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

November 9, 2026 -- Proverbs 16:16 -- What's better than gold?

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

How much better to get wisdom than gold!
To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
Proverbs 16:16 ESV
 
Doesn’t it often seem that the Proverbs are just a random collection of sayings? They are hard to read precisely because they seem to go all over the place. I have an excellent commentary on the Proverbs, and the insights of it truly help to make sense of what otherwise seems so disjointed. For example, the verses 16 to 26 form a section within chapter 16, which describes a person who has and exercises good sense.
 
If you want to get rich, there are no shortcuts. It takes hard work. It takes persistence in building up the bank account and not getting diverted by all kinds of trinkets and temptations. The comparison in Proverbs is teaching you it takes as much work to get wisdom as it takes to build up a good-sized stockpile of money. However, thieves and taxes can easily take your money. Wisdom once gained, is yours forever.
 
Understanding, which can also be translated as discernment, is the complementary prize worth pursuing through-out one’s life. Earlier in Proverbs wisdom declared, “My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver” (Proverbs 8:19). Like this text just cited, our text today and the verses which follow will prove how wisdom and understanding are better than gold and silver. Look ahead at verse 25, an ordinary man, without wisdom or understanding, chases what seems good and “its end is the way to death”.
 
Luke wrote about Jesus, “the child grew and become strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him” (Luke 2:40). This, dear readers, is all we need to know about Jesus’ childhood. The hard work of growing up Jesus invested in gaining wisdom—He was hungry for it. He didn’t chase sports or race horses, or money, or fame, or popularity—He spent His strength knowing God and implementing what He’d learned so that understanding became wisdom, the guiding impulse of His heart.
 
Those who are in Christ invest their time, their skills and their efforts in knowing God. Reading the word. Talking with friends. In prayer asking the Spirit to show them the sins which are short circuiting their progress and keeping them from delighting in God. It is hard work. It is the most worthwhile work of our lives.
 
Father in heaven, thank You for the riches of Your Word. Thank You for the promise that those who seek You will find You. I confess I am how easily diverted from truly and persistently seeking wisdom. I am more ready to go and do a dozen different things rather than bearing down and mining for godly understanding. Thank You for the new life that is mine in Christ. By Your Spirit’s presence in me, help me to truly turn from worldly ways, deny myself, and follow Jesus. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/W0vKNYDQa9Q?si=MFOlaT7QtBrHc7N_
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

November 8, 2026 -- Proverbs 16:9 -- Directed in His pathway

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

The heart of a man plans his way,
but the LORD establishes his steps.
Proverbs 16:9 ESV
 
The heart is the place where the spirit of the man and the mind of a man work together. A pagan’s heart will be influenced by the world, the Devil, and his own sinful inclination. The Christian man will experience all these influences as well, but he fights them in the power of the Holy Spirit. Despite all the pressures of life, the heart of a godly man is empowered by the Holy Spirit to allow his spirit and his mind to plan the way of righteousness.
 
The blessing and mercy of God is revealed here. We can’t see what comes next in our lives. We make our plans knowing a single phone call turns everything upside down. We can prepare all we want, but the circumstances of our lives are out of our control. The text before us today assures us that the LORD will bring us safely to the place He intends for us. He is guiding. He is protecting. Nothing will push us off the course our Father prepared for us.
 
I think of Jesus’ beautiful words: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of my Father’s hand (John 10:27-29). When the LORD directs the steps of His people, no matter what happens in life, their heavenly Father will bring them to Himself.
 
Those looking in on our circumstances might see us buffeted and struggling. But inside ourselves we have confidence. The Spirit, Whom the Father has given us, continually reassures us by the word, by sermons, through Christian community, and deep-rooted assurance within our heart that we are safe in Jesus, our Shepherd’s care. We follow Him throughout our lives. Then, at the end of our earthly journey, led by Jesus, confidently enter eternity.
 
Father in heaven thank You for the new life You have given me in Christ. As You lead me by Your Holy Spirit deepen my assurance that nothing will ever snatch me out of Your hand. Indeed, as the word promises, You will direct my steps until that day when Jesus presents me blameless in Your presence. What glorious hope and confidence You give to Your people. Blessed be Your Name, now and forevermore. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/SExcnAChIco?si=s9lTtGALYIdaV3nU
 
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

November 7, 2026 -- Proverbs 16:8 -- Serve with thankfulness

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Better is a little with righteousness
than great revenues with injustice. Proverbs 16:8 ESV
 
The Proverbs can be quite repetitive. Today’s text is echoed in Proverbs 15:16 and Psalm 37:16. Its teaching is a diamond of truth, and the repetitions invite you to consider different facets of the same truth. So, what is it saying? I really appreciate this perspective:  It is not God’s plan for every person to be rich any more than it is His plan for every person to be short, or blond, or shy, or Norwegian. The diversities of humanity are part of the mystery of God’s creation, His master design. {Leadership Ministries Worldwide, Proverbs, The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible (Chattanooga, TN: Leadership Ministries Worldwide, 2012), 250.}
 
Whatever you have, however God has blessed you, serve Him with righteousness. To be righteous means to administer God’s goodness in every sphere of your life. Tithe what He has given. To tithe means to give at least 10% of your wages back to God. He gave you the job. He gave you the ability. Tithing is an acknowledgement of the fact you are 100% His. When you give, you honour God and offer practical help to the body of believers. (Money in the church keeps the lights on, pays the pastor’s salary, and provides help for church members who are in need.) Plus tithing provides resources in the church for evangelism.
 
The comparison between the little of the righteous and the great revenue of others is a warning. The world pays a ridiculous amount of attention to the super rich, movies stars, influencers, and sports stars. They may have great wealth, or acting talents, or great physical abilities but be completely godless and witless. Psalm 37 (which we noted earlier, echoes today’s text from Proverbs 16:8) begins this way, “Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like grass and wither like the green herb” Psalm 37:1-2. Evildoers, those whose living is self-centred and unjust, will be punished. No one can claim I am self-made. All we have comes from the LORD. He made us; therefore, has the right to command how we are to live.
 
The only thing that lasts forever is devotion to Jesus. In Him we have a righteousness that is not our own. At the cross Jesus was punished in our place. At the cross His perfect obedience was imputed (credited to) believers. The Spirit then holds believers in the grip of God’s grace so that serving Him with our time, our talents and our treasures is a pleasure.
 
Father in heaven, I know this, I am not my own. I was bought at the extravagant price of the blood of Jesus. Jesus rescued from me from Your perfectly just anger against all my sin. As one set free, with my wealth or poverty, whatever talents or abilities I have may I spend the rest of my life thanking You. By the power of the Spirit in me may my words, life, and works be offered in service to You. Let that service be like the bright, strong beam of a lighthouse which pierces the gloom of a great storm and thereby draws others to the safety of Jesus. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/2zr9SMm1glI?si=4GoyfFRZkBvkqcQ_
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

November 6, 2026 -- I Peter 3:15 --Wonderful way to witness

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

…but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…I Peter 3:15 ESV
 
Isn’t it funny how a text that you consider in your devotions one day shows up later that day, or it keeps popping up in the days after you read it? You see all kinds of ways it is applied. It is the way God works. His word is living and active. His Spirit shows us the way of things.
 
Late in the summer I’d challenged a few men to be more open about sharing their faith. One man responded in an interesting way. I'll call him Claude. (You might wonder what a range is. Usually, prisons are divided into sections. A range is a section of the prison that houses men in many cells. So, a man might be on range A, or C, etc.)  Let me quote from his letter:
If you have more memes of prayers that are for addiction or positive quotes as I
have them on my door on the inside so when I keep my door open on the range
people get to read them so I can share the good news about God what he does
for us. --Claude 
It is his way of getting others to ask him for a reason for the hope that is in him. It really suits his personality.
 
What winsome way do you have of leading others to know Jesus? What unique skills or hobbies do you have that might draw others in to ask you about your life and what is important to you? I find that as I’m engaged in a task I enjoy, others feel more comfortable asking me questions. Think about the person who introduced you to Jesus. What did she say? What was she doing that drew you in and made you comfortable enough to ask her questions? Or perhaps your coworker was a Christian. What did that man explain to you? How was the honour and holiness of Jesus communicated so that you believed in Jesus and now desire that others to know Him also?
 
Father in heaven, thank You for the sure hope You have anchored in our souls through Jesus Christ. Thank You for the Holy Spirit Who brings people into our lives who are ready to learn about Jesus. Thank You for the power of Your word which goes through prisons and hospitals, workplaces and government. Mighty God may the knowledge of Who You are fill this land. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/0nnkkra4FwY?si=W2FYKUhwbtg4YCMk
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

November 5, 2026 -- I Peter 3:15 -- Telling Others

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

…but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect… I Peter 3:15 ESV
 
A few days ago, after I taught a group of men in a prison, one of the men, a good friend of mine, confessed he was upset with himself. My friend explained he’d had a conversation with another inmate who was new to that institution. In the conversation there was an opportunity to share a reason for the hope he had in Jesus. He didn’t. Then at the bible study, while I was teaching, my friend noted that man who he didn’t invite was in the bible study. Privately he confessed to me, though he’d been a Christian for a long time, he missed out on inviting the newcomer. However, the newcomer was present at the meeting because someone else, another inmate who is new to the faith, had invited him and explained why it’d be a good idea to join in. It was enough to bring the newcomer to bible study.
 
I wonder how often we miss such opportunities. How often the moment is right there, but we have not honoured Christ in our hearts as Lord, nor does His holiness direct our living. Whatever it is that grips our hearts, that is what we’ll think about and talk about and will direct our conversation. If you are a sports fanatic you’ll bore anyone who’ll listen to you about the latest victories of your team; or give a defense of why those overpaid, underwhelming performers didn’t win the game. Finances. Presidents. Hobbies. Elections. Video games. The weather. Conspiracy theories. Just about anything will fill our conversations except Him Who truly matters. What is the cure for our fearful, neglectfulness?
 

1. Read the word until Jesus fills your vision. You will have to fight yourself on this one.

2. Pray for the Spirit to lead you into fuller understanding of what you were and now who you are in Christ. Likely you won’t want to. You’ll still be enthralled by a dozen distractions. Set them aside. Put away your phone, your screen, your tablet, and spend time thinking about Who Jesus is to you. Perhaps write it out. Who is Jesus to you.

3. Memorize scripture. What you fill yourself with will flow out of your mind and your heart and then your lips. Jesus taught, from the overflow of your heart your mouth will speak (Luke 6:45).

4. Pray for opportunities to witness to Jesus and then also for the gentle respect you need to carry it through so that your listener will not be bowled over but won over.

5. Confess the laziness of your heart. Confess to God how other people’s opinion of you controls you and contributes to your unwillingness to talk about Jesus. Ask the Spirit to let the holiness of Christ fill your mind and direct your thoughts.

6. Go ahead. Speak. Practice. Tell others. When there’s opportunity, explain why you go to church. Tell someone at work about the benefits you have seen in your life since you started following Jesus. Explain how you’ve overcome hang-ups, or addiction, or habits through the power of God. People will listen because it is your story. It is true. It is powerful.

 
Heavenly Father, Your word promises that in Christ You have granted us all things that pertain to life and godliness. Your word promises we’ve escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. By Your Holy Spirit renew in us a vital love focused on King Jesus and a heart so filled with the knowledge of Who He Is, that we are prepared to tell everyone, anyone we meet of His glory. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/jcFsxk1EbY4?si=47ui200RGzk5Jv7C
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

November 4, 2026 -- Proverbs 16:7 -- Light that pierces the darkness of your circumstances

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

When a man’s ways please the LORD,
he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Proverbs 16:7 ESV
 
What you do matters. When you have been rescued from the present evil age through the cross of Jesus Christ, you respond with your whole life. You live in gratitude to the Living God. The commandments become for you the pathway of thankful living. Since we are in Christ, His righteousness is ours. Since we are in Christ, the Spirit of God sanctifies us, that is, the Spirit of God is showing us our lingering sin and causing us to hate it and turn from it so we can with wholehearted love, and pure joy, serve Jesus.
 
Look at Ecclesiastes “For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy” (Ecclesiastes 2:26a). Those are wonderful blessings our Father in heaven is giving to those whom He loves: wisdom, knowledge and joy. Now think of how today’s text and this one from Ecclesiastes form the backdrop of one of the beatitudes.
 
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” Matthew 5:9 ESV. I know, there will be readers who howl and say, but what about persecution? If we love God and serve Jesus then the enemies of God will mock, imprison, hurt and work against the child of God. True, but even then, look at the mercy of God. When Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce Joseph, and because of her lies he was put into prison, even the prison officials recognized that Joseph was a man of integrity and promoted him in the prison. When the apostle Paul was in prison, the prison guards realized his imprisonment was for Christ and the whole imperial guard learned who Jesus is.
 
Dear fellow Christ, wherever you are, know this: God the Father loves you. Wherever you are, devote yourself to serving Him mind and words, plans and actions. The Spirit of God has placed you in a community, no matter where that is, so that you can witness to the work of Jesus. People are watching you, waiting to see if what you profess to be true matches your actions, especially when the times are tough. They are waiting to see do you really believe what you say, or do you fold like a house of cards at the first sign of trouble? When our ways please the LORD in good times and hard times, in busy times and in boredom, people notice. They want to know, how is it you have holy joy even in the hardest of circumstances. It is Jesus. He is our lasting treasure, the soul’s deep reward. Pleasing the LORD is not burdensome to us because we walk in fellowship with Jesus, His Son, our Savior, the light of our life.
 
Holy Father, we rejoice in the Great Light of Christ. We’d once walked in the darkness of our sins and were rushing headlong to death and hell. But in Your great mercy and love You rescued us and the light of salvation dawned on us. The longer we know you, the greater is that light growing ever closer to noon day brilliance. Thank You for the Holy Spirit Who gives us all we need for life and godliness, no matter the circumstances of our lives. By the power of Your indwelling Spirit, show us everything that is blocking our relationship with You; reveal our sins so we can hate them and having confessed them, repent and turn to You. With the Psalmist we pray, let the words of my mouth and meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, O LORD, my God. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/zrF5r7umyeU?si=If0SMBWFFL7mUaZo
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

November 3, 2026 -- Proverbs 16:6 -- The unstoppable love of God

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for,
and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil.
Proverbs 16:6 ESV
 
Steadfast love, as I’ve often noted, is one translation of the Hebrew word hēsēd. There are about a hundred words required to adequately translate it. These words include mercy, lovingkindness, friendship, love, covenant love and so on. Why mention it? It is the unstoppable, unquenchable love of God that ensures our salvation. More than this, His faithfulness, despite our faithless wayward nature, is shocking. These words point to the work of Jesus Christ.
 
Iniquity is the inclination of our heart to be out of alignment. Like car tires that are out of alignment pulling a car off course, so is the sinfulness of our heart. Without the strong intervention of God, we’d be going here and there off course into our old patterns of sin. Already in the Old Testament, the blood sacrifices of oxen and lambs pointed to the one, perfect sacrifice of Jesus. Only His precious blood could wash away the stain of sin that touched every part of us.
 
 What is the response of the faithful follower of Jesus? It is the fear of the LORD. Fear of treating His blood with contempt. Fear of offending our Majestic King on high. Fear of returning to our own foolish ways—since our hearts are prone to all kinds of evil. Yes. But the fear of the LORD is also pure enduring forever (Psalm 19:9). It is a holiness that tethers us in love that joyfully responds to the steadfast love and faithfulness of the LORD.
 
Christians do not read their bibles, pray, and spend time with other Christians and then feel they’ve checked a box so can go on with the important parts of their lives. Such a loving, reverent, delightful fear of the LORD steers the course of one’s life back to God the Father Who in love chose us from before the foundation of the world to be His. Such holy fear drives us to honour and adore Jesus Christ, He is our life’s chief delight so that former sins and addictions, and hang-ups pale in comparison to the wondrous joy of serving Him. Such fear, which is a gift of the Holy Spirit (according to Isaiah 11:2-3a), is the guardrail of our life so that we don’t spin off course, but turning aside from every evil and all temptation, we live to the honour and praise of our Glorious God Who has rescued us from this present evil age.
 
O God my Father, thank You for Your steadfast love and the faithfulness You have shown us in Jesus Christ. Spirit of the Living God thank You for the gift of the fear of the LORD. Triune God, in view of the precious treasure of this salvation, and even sweeter to the soul, our union in Jesus, motivate us to greater acts of love and obedience. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/wc7bO69Xuu4?si=QTgTSLNlZRorsT61
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

November 2, 2026 -- Proverbs 16:4 -- Stamped with the Maker's Mark

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

The LORD has made everything for its purpose,
even the wicked for the day of trouble. Proverbs 16:4 ESV
 
There is something in our human nature which rebels against these words. We wonder, “how is this fair?” What does the Bible say to us when we question God the LORD in this way?
You turn things upside down!
Shall the potter be regarded as the clay,
that the thing made should say of its maker,
“He did not make me;”
or the thing formed say of him who formed it,
“He has no understanding”?  Isaiah 29:16-17 ESV

• First off, He made everything. It is His absolute right to do with us whatever He pleases.

• Second, since He made us, understanding our place in the universe begins when we realize our very life and every breath belong to the LORD. He made us. We are His. He can do with us as He pleases.

• Third, though many of us reading this are Christians, even so, we have so much rebellion in us and so much desire for autonomy—the very things which in the past led us on a path of self-destruction—that we prove how much sin lingers in us when we read these words.

• Fourth, the cost of redeeming us was the whole life and death of Jesus. Though He was perfect He was crushed for our rebelliousness and pride.

• Fifth, it is just and right for God the Father to put to death all who refuse the Son. Their stubborn wickedness in the face of His outstretched mercy is brutal. It is as ridiculous as if a piece of pottery should criticize the Potter who made it. He is the Potter. He can trash one piece and display another.

• Finally, oh don’t you see how this should humble us?! When we see how much we are like the wicked. The more mercy He shows us, the more we need to humble ourselves. The more we ought to ask the Spirit of God to crush every rebellious sigh and all the skulking temptations that flood our minds and souls. If we truly see how great our own wickedness is, and how much greater is His mercy toward us and His saving purposes which will not be stopped, we should fall to our knees and bless Him and praise Him as we shake our heads in wonder and awe and love.

 
O Father, Whose steadfast love is unstoppable towards those You choose to save, we bless You and praise You. We plead for ourselves, forgive us that stubborn pride that makes us think we deserve more than we’ve receive. Forgive us for the hubris that makes us question Your holy, Sovereign purposes. By Your Spirit enable us to fight every lust, every desire, every wayward temptation that arises from within us. Then give us the pure, holy zeal to serve Jesus in thought, word, and deed. O Father of all mercies, we plead for the people You have put in our lives, those who are still stuck in stubborn rebellion. By our witness and Your love in us flowing to them, break down every idol in them, cast out all the works of the enemy. Do this until they will turn to You, lost in wonder and in love. Then all of us, trophies of the grace You have lavished on us through our Lord Jesus Christ, will bless You and praise You now and forevermore. Amen.
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

November 1, 2026 -- Proverbs 16:3 -- Work committed to the LORD

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Commit your work to the LORD,
and your plans will be established.
Proverbs 16:3 ESV
 
What a strange word commit is. In the original language it means roll away as in rolling away the stone that covers a well. Here is an example of the same word used in a different way “Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling” Proverbs 26:27 ESV. Hmm. That helps us here. Think of it, the hardest part is starting a project. When you are formulating what to do next and sorting out the steps to take, that is the time to go to the LORD your God and seek His help and guidance. Once your plans start rolling, you’ll be following the momentum of your plans and in many cases dealing with the intended and also the many unintended consequences.
 
Some people might think of their lives as running away from them. Things like their schedules, their meetings, the things that intrude on their times, the commitments to family and church, financial matters, and exercise are all like tires that have come off the car of their lives and are bouncing all over the place on the highway of life. To commit your work to the LORD is to entrust your plans to Him, from start to finish. To commit your work to the LORD is to learn how to say “yes” to what the Spirit directs you to do, and to say “no” to all other things.
 
A friend and I have an expression we use a lot. It is “stay in your lane”. There are many good things you can do with your time, but what is the main thing you are called to do? What is it that the Spirit of the LORD has appointed you to do? As a follower of Jesus, we read many times that Jesus left places, though He had very fruitful ministry before Him, to go where the Spirit of God was sending Him. For example, we read in Luke 4:42ff that crowds were looking for Jesus. He had gone to a quiet place to pray. When confronted Jesus said He had to leave and preach the Kingdom of God to other towns as well. It must have been tempting for Him to stay. I mean, the message was getting a good reception in that place. But He submitted Himself to the LORD, His Father. Stay in your lane. What is it the Spirit of God has appointed you to do? Do it. And regularly submit yourself, your plans and your future to God.
 
Father in heaven, You are good and the source of all good. It is tempting for us to go our own way and do what seems right in our own eyes. By Your Holy Spirit help us to submit ourselves fully to You, heavenly Father, so that in all our ways we will be servants of Jesus, denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and following Him. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/z-yJ3xMVUDI?si=pT4kstVBadRGi4TM
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

October 31, 2026 -- Day Thirty-one of Joy: Psalm 63:5-8

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

5 My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food,
    and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,
6 when I remember you upon my bed,
    and meditate on you in the watches of the night;
7 for you have been my help,
    and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
8 My soul clings to you;
    your right hand upholds me.
Psalm 63:5-8 ESV
 
Joy is a particularly poignant and necessary gift when one feels spiritually alone. That is how David, the author of this psalm, begins it. Many of us can relate. When we feel as if we are in a wilderness with no safe refuge, there is a desperate urgency, a thirstiness for God which, if it is not appropriately satisfied, will lead a man to indulge in all kinds of sin.
 
Once David had expressed his soul’s thirstiness for God, instead of looking around him for something to pleasure him, he looked to the sanctuary, he considered the glory and power of God. That is what led him to joy. His circumstances hadn’t changed, but his heart’s posture had. He placed himself wholly into the care of the God Whose steadfast love never leaves him.
 
When you feel exposed and helpless, look Who God is, His wings overshadow the praying man. The right hand of God, the hand of His power, upholds a man. To be upheld by God means that God defends you from your enemies. To be upheld by God means you are lifted from your circumstances and led in His way everlasting. No wonder David, despite his circumstances, sings for joy! God’s got him.
 
O LORD my God, You are the source of joy.
Savior of the world, You are the foundation of joy.
Holy Spirit by Your powerful presence in my life, You grant me the spiritual gift of joy and create in me a holy expectation of eternal joy in the presence of God.
Teach me to cling to You, Triune God, in hard times and in good, in riches and in poverty, in loneliness and community, so that my highest pleasure will always, ever, be in You. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/4SvctBsjC08?si=iN8fOIfms4FjDHSW
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

October 30, 2026 -- Day Thirty of Joy: Philippians 4:1

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. Philippians 4:1 ESV
 
In order to understand this reference better, I looked up a brief commentary by Sinclair Ferguson. This is what he wrote:
The Philippians were his brothers; he loved them and longed for them.
Unlike the shameful things to which the false teachers devoted themselves,
this relationship would last. More than that, it too would be transformed
into something glorious—into Paul’s joy and crown. Heaven, and the
Philippians too, would be his.
Ferguson. “Let’s Study Philippians”, page 96
Just prior to chapter 4, Paul spoke of the things false teachers do: they are enemies of the cross of Christ; their minds are set on earthly things; their god is their belly, they glory in their shame” (3:18-19). Such actions lead to devastation, ruin, and death. While in the moment, false teachers and enemies of God taunt Christians about the “freedom” they enjoy; they are in fact killing themselves and leading others to death.
 
Ah, but those who are in Christ, have a joy that is not merely an emotion. It is joy that sustains them while fending off the pressures of the world and the temptations of the devil. It is joy that is so anchored in Jesus, that such as are in Christ alter all their living in view of His return. What we see now will one day be transformed when the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ is revealed. Joy is a spiritual gift. Joy has its foundation in Jesus Christ. Joy fills the Christian who anticipates Jesus’ return.
 
When you, fellow Christian, help others to serve Jesus, to know Him and in loving obedience follow Him, you experience joy. Your joy in Jesus is multiplied in the experience of those you mentor and reflects back to you and you and those among whom you share the love of Jesus have greater joy in Jesus.
 
Oh Jesus, You are the joy of loving hearts. Father in heaven, You have gifted Your people with heaven’s joy, Jesus. Spirit of the Living God, remove from us any lingering sin, any worldliness or obstinate selfishness which would crush true joy. Spirit of the Living God, increase our capacity for the joy of the Lord and renew in us a holy zeal to share the beauty of Jesus with all those we meet. Grant us, Spirit of God, the treasure of people You bring to us, people whom we can mentor in our precious faith, so that this holy joy is shared and multiplied. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/A59pfx4sb2Q?si=Lzis7g-RG1FLnuZr
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

October 29, 2026 -- Day Twenty-nine of Joy: Philippians 2:25-30

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
Philippians 2:25-30 ESV
 
A man, Epaphroditus, nearly died in his service to Jesus as he ministered to Paul’s needs and served the Philippians church. How does this result in joy? Great question and an important question.

• First, when a brother or a sister serves Jesus, such a one denies himself. He must serve in good times and in hard times, in sickness and in health, in riches and in poverty. His life is not his own, it is a tribute of thanksgiving to Jesus.

• Second, his example of devotion is an inspiration, so that lazy Christians are stirred up to new acts of obedience.

• Third, when one serves, it is an honour to be counted worthy to suffer for the Name of Jesus.

• Fourth, such dedication to Jesus and loyal service to Paul and the Philippians shows the depths of community and love that can exist between believers when they give themselves completely to Jesus.

• Finally, when we serve Jesus, we do not know if our lives will be poured out unto death (which is what Paul alluded to in Philippians 2:17). When a man, like Epaphroditus is spared, it is a blessing to celebrate his work for Jesus and to receive him with joy and to honour him. Ultimately any suffering we endure for Jesus verifies to our own souls the truth of Jesus’ goodness. Such suffering purifies the believer from worldliness. Suffering is a sign as well that Jesus’ return is nearer than ever. No wonder such suffering leads others to a place of deep emotional and spiritual joy.

Lord Jesus Christ, we bless You for all You have endured, with joy, in order to bring us as trophies of grace to our Father in heaven. Spirit of the Living God, thank You for the men and women who willingly, and trustingly serve Jesus, enduing hardships and persecutions in sacrificial service to Jesus. Mighty God, teach us to pray more. To pray for those who suffer for the sake of the Gospel. To pray that we ourselves may be counted worthy to suffer for the sake of the Gospel. To pray that we will serve with joy, and that such joy will be a beacon of light, drawing others close enough so that they too behold the beauty and splendour Jesus, our Lord and King. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/UV8bv4QuDtM?si=vmie022S4Aw2Gp_u
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

October 28, 2026 -- Day Twenty-eight of Joy: Philippians 2:8-11

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:8-11 ESV
 
This is the only reflection on joy that doesn’t include either the word joy, or the word rejoicing. How does this passage inform our joy? Oh, in so many ways.
~Jesus identifies with our human weakness, our God knows us and loves us.
~Jesus is obedient and His perfect obedience is imputed to all who believe.
~Jesus died in our place.
~Jesus is exalted; the Father in heaven has given the most glorious “yes” and “amen” to the work
  of His Son. Those who are in Christ, rejoice in Jesus’ exaltation.
~Jesus’ exaltation exposes our pride. If we consider this passage sort of ordinary, something a
  believer deserves then our gross self-importance is blocking our view of the radiance of Who
  Jesus really is. There is now time to repent of such gross pride.
~Jesus’ exaltation is intimately linked to the believer’s joy. We are amazed at the depths of His
  love. We are dumbfounded at the cost of our salvation. We are looking forward to bending our
  knees before Him in gratitude and love and wonder.
 
Father in heaven, by Your Holy Spirit, give us the eyes of faith, and such humbleness of heart, that we will truly live in joy-filled anticipation of this glorious day when every eye will behold Jesus. Every knee will bow before Him. Every tongue confess Jesus Christ is Lord, and this to Your glory, O God our Father. Amen
 
https://youtu.be/60k_gMGRnRk?si=fIaqJo56Mn31WvID
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

October 27, 2026 -- Day Twenty-seven of joy: Philippians 2:1-2

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
Philippians 2:1-2 ESV
 
Paul is asking the Philippians to complete his joy. What a strange request. Background first. These Christians are suffering from all kinds of challenges. Paul, a man they love and respect is in prison. Some think he’s suffering for Jesus, others believe he is getting what he deserves. There are people preaching Christ out of envy or rivalry. They are contrarians to the message of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. This congregation has factions. There are all kinds of worries and fears. What will bring all of them together? Knowing this is the key to understanding Paul’s joy: it is unity in Jesus Christ.
 

• When believers who’d been divided realize their unity in Christ, all Christians experience joy.

• When believers who’d loved one faction or another, suddenly focus on loving Christ, then all Christians experience joy.

• When believers who’d loved some but withheld love from others, suddenly, in the power of Christ’s extravagant salvation begin to love Jesus and then in Him love one another, there is joy.

• When believers experience the work of the Holy Spirit, Who brings the message of Christ, the knowledge of Christ and the clarity of Christ and enables ordinary people to serve Christ, there all the Christians are empowered experience joy.

 
Joy is the gift of God. And, joy must be something believers discover and rediscover repeatedly as they intentionally remove all the hindrances keeping them from fully, vulnerably, submitted, obediently, walking with Christ. Joy comes to a community through humbling oneself at the feet of Jesus and then filled with love for Jesus, learning to love His people.
 
Great are You, O LORD, my God! You delight in the welfare of Your servant.
Spirit of the Living God, point out the areas in my life where my view of Jesus is blocked by my own sins and iniquities. Let that clothing of shame be exchanged for the full righteousness of Jesus, my Redeemer. Then let my tongue tell of Your righteousness, O triune God, and of Your praise all the day long. Amen.
(Loosely based on Psalm 35:26-28)
 
https://youtu.be/igV63aKSqb8?si=EVfb4uPxV0uYHI4Y
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

October 26, 2026 -- Day Twenty-six of Joy: Philippians 1:23-26

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
Philippians 1:23-26 ESV
 
Paul’s letter to the Philippians is often referred to as his letter of joy. The words joy and rejoicing are regularly used through-out the whole letter. I am concluding this month of reflecting on joy with some meditations drawn from Philippians. When you read of the various hardships Paul has endured, it is no wonder he desires to be with Jesus. Death is not a fearsome thing, though it is the final punishment for sin, the way through it has been opened for us in Christ. He has walked through the valley of death and conquered the grave. While Paul contemplates his death, he is also aware that there are still many little Christian gatherings scattered around the Mediterranean coastlands, who rely on his instruction and prayers. It is the reason he is open to living and ministering a while longer in holy service to God.
 
The blessing of mentoring believers, praying for them, and seeing how they grow up, rooted and established in Christ Jesus brings him joy. When a young believer, who keeps on struggling to bring Christian faith into practice, finally gets it and there is evidence of consistency in the Gospel, there is joy. Progress in the faith, shared and celebrated between a mentor and his mentees is always a reason for joy.
 
Ah, dear fellow believers, perhaps joy is a concept that is not as common among us as it could be, because we as long-time Christians live with the false idea we’ve arrived. Our faith is fine and we don’t need to be stretched or challenged anymore. It is now basically just maintaining what we have. Nothing could be further from the truth. While we are in Christ, we have a lifetime to grow, to mature, to build others up and both sharpen and be sharpened by others. If your faith is a bit ho-hum, even boring, I boldly put to you your faith is stagnant. Spend time with new believers. Decide to bless others and help those who are struggling. Use the spiritual gifts you have and you will see the progress of others (and likely your own as well) and this will result in joy!
 
Father in heaven You are my joy! Lord Jesus Christ, You are the foundation of that joy! Holy Spirit in You I am guarded in the fullness of joy and anticipate everlasting joy. Lead me, Triune God, to seek out someone to mentor so that instructing others in Your way, I will serve expecting to see progress and joy in their faith, which renews the progress and joy in my own faith. Glorious Lord, in my life, in my home, in Your church and beyond, be honoured and adored, now and forevermore. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/2zr9SMm1glI?si=TIrvRkiMcFNGa7DI
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

October 25, 2026 -- Day Twenty-five of Joy: Philippians 1:3-5

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. Philippians 1:3-5 ESV
 
This week I am traveling for my work with Redemption Prison Ministry. I am in Ontario and there are three fund-raising dinners out here. The first was in Strathroy, the second was in Jordan, and then the last in this series is in St. George. Why mention it? So many people gathered to celebrate what God is doing through the volunteers at the Thrift Store, volunteer instructors, prayer warriors, donors, board, staff, and managers. It is a joy to work in partnership.
 
Our ability to partner together starts with God. Read this, “For we are God’s fellow workers.” In this sense, it is God Who chose us. It is Jesus Who redeemed us from our slavery to the works of darkness, and the Holy Spirit Who keeps us in unity. What tremendous joy it brings us when we gather on Sundays, or at events like the dinners, to celebrate the purposeful, kingdom work God has given us to do.
 
If we labour by ourselves, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that God has placed many other men and women in key locations, circumstances and gifted them. If we are alone, we get lonely, burned out. Tired. But when we see how God has caused us to work together as we’re united to Jesus, then we are not competitive, but joy-filled co-labourers, thankful for each one’s talents and willing service. As we gather, we boast in Jesus, Who has given us the privilege of partnering for Gospel work. Then we can go into our field of service, gladly serving, knowing we are not alone, but partners with many others, bringing glory to our God.
 
Our Father in heaven, thank You for the many brothers and sisters we have in Christ. Thank You for the Holy Spirit, Who binds us together in Christ. As we gather for worship today, may we see the various people around us, getting a glimpse of the glorious army of people raised and equipped by the Spirit to serve in partnership in the gospel. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/2ar76T6OGoU?si=u0qzhReSBlpBTF4j
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

October 24, 2026 -- Day Twenty-four of Joy: Philippians 4:10-12

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. Philippians 4:10-12 ESV
 
A friend posed a question. “What is the difference between joy and contentment?” It is a very good question. We have considered Galatians 5:22-23 several times already in this series. It is the passage that describes the fruit of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit gifts the believer with something he, or she, can not generate in himself. It is of supernatural origin. The word happiness, or its cognates, are used about thirty times in the Bible. The word “joy” about three hundred times. It is an important spiritual concept.
 
Contentment. To get a sense of it, look at the text again. Paul is writing that no matter what his circumstances are “he has learned to be content”. That is the key to understanding the difference between joy, which is a spiritual gift, and contentment which is a spiritual discipline. Believers exercise their faith in the power of the Holy Spirit so they will not get grumpy when the winds of life blow against them. Instead, they lean into the Spirit of God.
 
Christians can throw around language that sounds good but aren’t necessarily good at defining what they mean. For example, it sounds great to say, “lean into the Spirit of God”; but what do I mean by it?! When the troubles of our lives rear up the question is: “will you grumble, or will you ask the Spirit to give you a greater measure of joy?” When you face hardship, will you mine the word of God for instruction and help which will assist you in being content, no matter whatever the circumstances of your life happen to be? That is how contentment gets exercised and stretched.
 
Perhaps you’ve noticed this, complaining is contagious. It is easy to pull others down. You and I know the old saw, misery loves company. I’ve noticed if misery doesn’t have company, through a volley of wailing and groaning, misery will bring others down to its level. But those who are content in Christ, aware of the wrap around protection of our God and Father, will find that they can’t sink to misery. They are, body and soul, bound up with Christ and therefore, their minds and their attitudes are fixed at the place where He is seated, in heaven.
 
Father in heaven thank You for the joy of the LORD which is ours in Christ. Thank You, Father, for the Holy Spirit, through Whom joy is given to us and by Whom we exercise the discipline of contentment until both mature in us. Triune God, let the world see and know Jesus our joy. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/ILpLIcuWwPA?si=PJPStuSx__AQbL-t

 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

October 23, 2026 -- Day Twenty-three of Joy: John 17:13-16

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

13 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. John 17:13-16 ESV
 
Just before Jesus’ arrest, He prayed. His disciples heard His prayer. John the disciple, inspired by the Holy Spirit, recorded it for us. It is the longest of Jesus’ recorded prayers. It is one of the most eloquent depictions of the believer’s anticipation of future joy. Briefly, let’s recap this journey of joy. We have joy now; the source of this joy is our Father. We have a foundation for joy which is the accomplished work of Jesus Christ. Today we focus on our future joy. We have a glorious anticipation for greater joy. It stays with us now, no matter what the world throws at us. It is a joy that is preserved and strengthened the more we contemplate the world to come.
 
Jesus prayed that His disciples then, and His followers today, would have His joy. What is the Jesus joy? The very joy He prays for, longing for His followers to share it? Jesus’ chief joy is His relationship with the Father in heaven; added to this is His joy as He is in fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Jesus prayed that His followers would be welcomed into such divine community. It is the fulfilment of God’s holy purpose to walk with His people. Remember the description of the Garden of Eden, before Adam and Eve’s fall. God walked with Adam and Eve in Garden in the cool of the evening.
 
The joy Jesus would share with His followers is that all who know and love Jesus will experience intimate communion with the Father and the Son. That is, believers would know God as the Father Who extravagantly loved and loves His people with love so powerful that the evil one never could stop it from reaching us. The Holy Spirit will increase the believer’s capacity for joy in and throughout all eternity.
 
Jesus’ joy is so strong that the real and dark troubles of this world could not knock the joy out of Him. Consider the fact that Jesus was about to be betrayed by the kiss of a former friend-disciple. A disciple who’d witnessed Jesus’ miracles. Heard Jesus’ teaching. Experienced Jesus’ compassion. Even so, he’d given himself over to evil and betrayed Jesus. How profoundly painful. Jesus would be mocked. Whipped. Spat upon. Humiliated. Crucified. He has joy that would abide in Him despite all of that because He is, was, and ever will be united with His Father in heaven. That is the joy Jesus prayed you and I would have. Know. Delight in. Savour.
 
Jesus prayed that His joy would be fulfilled in every believer. He prayed “my joy fulfilled in themselves”. It is an alien joy that will replace the total depravity now infecting and infesting every believer. There will be a joy to come that is wholly untainted and unstained by our original sin nature. We will be set free. We will experience joy that is now beyond our ability to describe it. In fact, that joy is beyond our current capacity or ability to understand. We are so bound up in our sins, so aware of our constant need for confession; however that joy to come includes the wondrous promise that we will never need to confess sin, ever again. We will be incapable of sinning. There will be no unholy impulses. We will be blameless. Pure. Our affections and desires will be focused wholly on God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit! What a holy and glorious concept that is. The anticipation of it fills us with joy.
 
Ah, Holy Father, let Your kingdom come, let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Answer the wondrous prayer of our Lord and Savior Jesus, that His joy be fulfilled in us.
Spirit of God, prepare us, even now, for the weight of anticipated joy. Stir in us both the gift of joy and the spiritual discipline to be Christians who rejoice in our Lord. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/-jkMnq2Hfzo?si=5bDZWL2rgC65BO3Q
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

October 22, 2026 -- Day Twenty-two of Joy: I Kings 1:39-40

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

39 There Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tent and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the trumpet, and all the people said, “Long live King Solomon!” 40 And all the people went up after him, playing on pipes, and rejoicing with great joy, so that the earth was split by their noise. I Kings 1:39-40 ESV
 
King David was old. His son Solomon was supposed to take the throne after his father’s death. However, before David had died, one of his other sons, Adonijah tried to usurp the throne. He had himself proclaimed as king. There was a lot of chaos and confusion. However, David confirmed his son Solomon as king. When Zadok the priest anointed Solomon the people rejoiced with great joy.
 
Beloved in the Lord Jesus Christ, our rulers can’t save us. Only Jesus does that. However, a godly ruler, who loves the LORD, is a godsend. Deuteronomy 17 teaches five requirements of an Israelite king. I just want to focus on two. First, an Israelite king must write out the Law (Deuteronomy 17:18). He must have a priest approve his copy of it. He must study it. An Israelite king must be steeped in the knowledge of the laws of God so that he would be a just ruler. Also, knowing the laws of God would lead him to love the one Who gave the law. Second, an Israelite king must be humble (Deuteronomy 17:20). Such a ruler honours God and protects the people of God.
 
When a leader follows the directions of God it is no wonder that the people of God rejoice with great joy. It is rare for a leader to be committed to the Word of God and to carry out justice. It is a great reminder for us to pray for our leaders—no matter whom or what they serve—they urgently need our prayers. Also, it is a reminder for believers to pray that God has appointed leaders so that people can live in a well-ordered society. Finally, believers rejoice because the last King in the line of David is King Jesus. He rules with justice. He rules with love. He rules protecting the people of God. His rule will never end!
 
Father in heaven thank You for Christ our King. Thank You that He rules with power and justice. Thank You, Jesus, for Your protection of Your people. Spirit of the Living God, give us the faith to look forward to the day of Jesus’ return when all wrongs will be addressed, all injustices righted, and the reign of Jesus Christ will lead every knee to bow and every tongue to confess Jesus Christ is Lord, and this, to the glory of the Father. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/Ty8tw7ydxB4?si=N7BpSq5ksC7kgzQ6

 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.